Top 10 Essays Analyzing the First Stanza of the Poem "Nói với con" by Y Phương (Grade 9)

The poetry of Y Phương is easily recognizable, as he often writes about family love, homeland, and the country. His poems express strong and sincere feelings, written with vivid imagery characteristic of the people from the mountainous regions. From familiar themes, Y Phương created the poem "Nói với Con," which reflects a father's heartfelt advice to his child. This simple and earnest expression from a mountain man conveys sincere emotions and a deep sense of pride in his homeland and people.

The poem opens with a father's message to his child about family, homeland, country, and the meaning of relationships:

Right foot steps toward father
Left foot steps toward mother
One step reaches the voice
Two steps lead to laughter
The people of my land, how dear they are, my child
The basket-weaving brings flowers
The house walls echo with songs
The forest offers flowers
The road provides hearts
Parents always remember the wedding day
The first beautiful day of life.

You were born and grew up surrounded by the love of your parents, in the labor of life, and in the beautiful and meaningful nature of your homeland. The family and homeland are the cradle of your life. This verse opens with the image of a warm and happy family:

Right foot steps toward father
Left foot steps toward mother
One step reaches the voice
Two steps lead to laughter
The people of my land, how dear they are, my child

With simple yet vivid images, Y Phương depicts a warm and loving family. It’s the image of a child learning to walk. The voices and laughter of the child are gifts from the parents. You grow up each day in the loving embrace of your family, in the care and hope of your parents. The everyday activities of the Tay ethnic group, such as "basket-weaving" and "weaving threads" add charm.

The phrase "Người đồng mình" (the people of my land) is used by Y Phương to refer to the villagers in a very intimate and simple manner, expressing deep love and attachment to the homeland. "Người đồng mình" may face hardships, but they possess strong will and a great spirit, tightly bonded to their land, even in difficult times. "Người đồng mình" represents the people of your homeland, the symbols of its beauty.

The poem expresses the parents' love for their homeland and their hopes for their children to carry on the legacy and traditions of their ancestors, the nation, and the homeland.

In the poem "Nói với con" by Y Phương, with simple and specific expressions from the Tay ethnic people, the author conveys the nurturing and protective love of parents for their children, while encouraging the child to live honorably and in harmony with their homeland.

As a poet of the Tay ethnic group, Y Phương’s works are captivating and leave a lasting impact on readers due to their distinctive language and poetic imagery that reflect the way of thinking of the highland people. When mentioning Y Phương, one cannot forget his poem "Nói với con" – one of his key works that expresses family love. Notably, the first stanza of this poem reveals the origin that shapes and nurtures the children in a vivid and authentic manner.

In the heartfelt words of the father to the child in the first stanza, the main origin of the child's upbringing and nurturing is first and foremost the family.

The right foot steps toward the father
The left foot steps toward the mother
One step reaches the voice
Two steps lead to the laughter.

Every child is born, grows, and matures in the loving embrace and hopeful anticipation of their parents. Therefore, the poetic imagery of "right foot", "left foot", "one step", and "two steps" evokes the first stumbling steps in life. These are the initial steps in a person's life, always supported and cheered on by their parents. Not only do these represent the first steps, but the images of "voice" and "laughter" also evoke the sounds of a child learning to speak.

Especially, the first attempts to walk and talk are always encouraged by the parents, who serve as a comforting and solid support. The images of "toward father", "toward mother" emphasize this. Thus, family and parents are the primary source of birth and nurturing, allowing each child to grow into a person. However, for the poet, this source is not limited to the family but also includes the homeland.

The people of my land are dearly loved, my child
Weaving baskets with flowers
Walls of the house sing with songs
The forest gives flowers
The road gives hearts.

The image of the homeland is introduced through the vivid expressions of the highland people – "the people of my land". This phrase, combined with the affectionate call of “my child,” makes the father's words even more intimate and warm. Additionally, the poet uses numerous powerful images to highlight the importance of the homeland. "Weaving baskets with flowers" not only describes a labor tool made more beautiful by the people here but also symbolizes their skill, hard work, and creativity, turning simple bamboo strips into "flowered baskets".

Furthermore, the image of "walls singing with songs" describes the communal and family cultural life of the people of the highlands, making the walls seem to be filled with songs, evoking a sophisticated and optimistic spirit. The verbs "weaving" and "singing" both convey the skillful actions of these people while suggesting the strong bond they share in their labor. Additionally, with personification in "the forest gives flowers" and "the road gives hearts" along with the repetition of the word "gives", the poet conveys a generous, open-hearted gesture from the homeland, offering the best and most beautiful things of nature to the children of that beloved land.

Finally, the origin that nurtures and helps each person grow is the precious, beautiful, and happy memories created by the parents.

Parents will always remember the wedding day
The first most beautiful day in life.

"Remembering the wedding day" refers to the cherished memory of the beginning of a family, a home. The wedding day stands as the most beautiful proof of the parents’ love, and the child is the embodiment of that love. The "first beautiful day" could refer to the parents' wedding day, but it could also be the day the child was born, the day the parents joyfully awaited their child's arrival.

In conclusion, this stanza is a loving and affectionate reminder from the father to the child about the origins that gave birth to and nurtured them. The family, the homeland, and the warm, happy memories of the parents form the foundation upon which the child grows and matures.

Outside, the light drizzle falls, and suddenly, the melody of the poem "Nói với con" by poet Y Phương echoes in the distance. The poem's simple yet profound words have an unusual power to linger in the reader's mind. The father’s advice to his child in the poem is perhaps the same heartfelt guidance that countless fathers hope their children will understand. Each time the poem is read, it brings us back to our roots, to the things most dear to us, with reverence. Through the father’s loving words, the poet reminds us of the origin of each person, revealing a deep pride in the strength, endurance, and beautiful qualities of our people and our homeland.

The right foot steps toward father

The left foot steps toward mother

One step touches the voice

Two steps reach the laughter

Oh, my dear, the people of our land are so loved

The loom weaves the flower stalks

The walls of the house are filled with songs

The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts

Parents will always remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of life.

The love of parents and the protection of the homeland are infinite. As children grow each day, they are nurtured by this sacred affection. In the first four lines, with simple imagery, Y Phương vividly reflects the warm, close-knit atmosphere of a family:

“The right foot steps toward father

The left foot steps toward mother

One step touches the voice

Two steps reach the laughter.”

It feels as though we are witnessing a picture of a child taking their first steps, babbling their first words. The repetition of “steps toward” and the verb “touch” are skillfully used to emphasize the soul of the scene. The poet’s unique expression captures the essence of a family’s joy. Each step and every word of the child is cherished and celebrated by the parents. It paints the picture of a happy family: young parents with their first child, a home filled with laughter and words. However, behind these specific words, the poet conveys a larger message: a child is born in happiness and grows in love, nurtured by the embrace and anticipation of their parents. These tender images of parents and their lively sounds are symbols of a close-knit, warm, and joyful family atmosphere. This timeless image is the eternal human aspiration for happiness, which will be a precious guide throughout life.

The child grows in the diligent work of the parents, within the beautiful, poetic scenery of the homeland. As the child matures, the parents' love for their ancestors' land only deepens. The following line springs from a heart full of deep emotion:

“Oh my dear, the people of our land are so loved!”

The poet expresses pride in the people who live on the same land, nurturing the child into who they are. The hard-working, joyful lives of the ethnic people are depicted almost mythologically:

“The loom weaves the flower stalks

The walls of the house are filled with songs.”

The verbs “weave,” “fill” describe not only the physical work, but also the harmony between the material and spiritual life of the people in the highlands. Fishing looms, under the hands of the Tay people, turn bamboo and rattan into “flower stalks.” The house walls are not only made of wood, but are filled with “songs.” The verbs “weave,” “fill,” “tie” are evocative, helping the reader imagine the specific tasks while also symbolizing the deep connection between people and their homeland. This hardworking, joyful life is set in a homeland rich with beauty and affection. The mountains and forests of the homeland have nurtured generations of young people, both in spirit and in lifestyle:

“The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts.”

The forest not only provides wood and valuable timber, but also “gives flowers.” The road is not just a path for traveling, but “gives hearts,” symbolizing kindness and compassion, a road of love. For Y Phương, this road is the familiar symbol of the homeland: the path to the village, the path to the valleys, the path to the forest, to rivers, to lakes, to school, to work, or even the path to every horizon and every region of the country. The repeated word “gives” carries deep meaning of affection. Nature has protected, nurtured, and enriched both the spirit and way of life of the people. With joy, embracing the child in his arms and watching them grow, the poet reflects on the bond of the homeland and the source of happiness.

“Parents will always remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of life.”

The father recalls the memory of his wedding day with his child, hoping they will always remember that they grew up in the pure love and happiness of their parents. The wedding day, “the first day, the most beautiful day of life,” is when the parents' union, brought together by “heaven’s fate,” began—the same day the child’s life began. The father wants the child to understand the significance of that sacred day, a memory that never fades, engraved in the hearts of the parents and now in the child’s heart. This is the origin of all love. In sharing these thoughts, the father wants to teach the child about the roots of love, using his own affection and pride in their homeland and family… It is the homeland that has given the parents a strong, lasting, and happy life.

From this understanding of their roots, the father wishes to remind the child to live up to the legacy of those who came before, to live honorably in the land that gave them life. Nature has given us a body and a soul, so we must never degrade ourselves. The father wants the child to live nobly because that will be the strength to help them mature. The homeland is a great mirror for the child to reflect upon when they feel lost. In this sacred mirror of origin, the child will see their own beauty.

Reading the verses of Y Phương, one feels they are encountering their own homeland, as if their soul is being reflected. The child is born of their parents, grows up with love, and will mature through their understanding of their roots and the vibrant spirit of their homeland. Each village is part of the nation, and each village is also a part of the human heart—the hearts of both parents and children.

In the achievements of modern Vietnamese literature since the August Revolution, the contributions of the ethnic minority poets are significant, including the Tày poet Y Phương. His poetry is easily recognizable, with a simple yet profound way of expressing love for family, homeland, and the nation. Among his most notable works is the poem "Talking to My Child." Throughout the poem, the author conveys a deep love for the homeland and encourages the next generation to preserve the precious traditions of the nation.

The opening stanza is filled with warmth and love, portraying the bond of family:

"Right foot steps toward father

Left foot steps toward mother

One step brings the sound of speech

Two steps bring the sound of laughter

People from the same village are so dear, my child

The fishing net weaves the flowers

The house walls are filled with songs

The forest provides flowers

The road is paved with hearts

Parents always remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of all."

The child, born and raised in the loving arms of both parents, takes their first steps with reverence. These first steps are filled with a sense of trust, as the child knows they are safe within the care of their parents. The first steps are symbolic of growing up, and yet, they also represent a journey of love and support:

"Right foot steps toward father

Left foot steps toward mother"

These lines seem simple, yet they are filled with warmth and affection. The love of the parents is a guiding force, helping the child to grow and explore. The poem evokes the joyful innocence of the child's growth, and even though the parents' love is immense, the child still needs more than just their love. The poem extends this love to encompass the homeland:

"People from the same village are so dear, my child

The fishing net weaves the flowers

The house walls are filled with songs

The forest provides flowers

The road is paved with hearts

Parents always remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of all."

The simple, everyday actions of the Tày people, like weaving nets and building homes, are elevated to something sacred. The phrase "People from the same village are so dear" carries a profound sense of love and community. Despite the hardships of life, the people remain united through affection and mutual respect. They live harmoniously with nature, as reflected in the lines: "The forest provides flowers, the road is paved with hearts." The forest sustains them, and the road offers a pathway of kindness and compassion.

The poem “Talking to My Child” by Y Phương allows readers to appreciate the beauty of a father's love, expressing hope for the next generation to continue the noble traditions of their homeland. The simplicity of the language and vivid imagery convey a deep and emotional message about family love and devotion to one's roots, as expressed through the poignant lines:

“I will be the bird.

So you can fly far...

I will be the shield.

To protect you forever...”

Y Phương is a poet who represents the spirit of ethnic minorities. His poetry is the voice, the shared feelings, and the deep, sincere emotions of the people, simple yet profound, straight from the heart. Reading Y Phương's poetry, readers can feel the warmth and tenderness, yet also the wildness of the mountains, the strength, and the lofty aspirations that are as vast as the forests and mountains themselves. Among the author's famous works, 'Talking to My Child' stands out. Especially, the first stanza of the poem shares a father's message to his child about their roots and upbringing, something deeply sacred and essential to pass on to the child, to help them understand and bond with their parents, homeland, and loved ones.

“Right foot steps towards father

Left foot steps towards mother

One step touches the sound of speech

Two steps towards the sound of laughter”

Analysis of the first stanza of 'Talking to My Child' – The poem begins with an incredibly sincere confession from the father to the child. While a mother's words are often gentle, tender, and heartfelt, a father's message tends to be closer, more grounded, yet determined, generous, and filled with a deep sense of connection.

In just four lines of poetry, the poet paints a perfect picture of the child. Even before birth, the child can feel the love from their parents, their words of affection. When the child is born, their growing body brings immense joy to the parents. Every small step the child takes in life moves the parents deeply. Just one step, two steps, and the child is already walking, speaking, and laughing… These simple lines are filled with profound love. Reading these four lines, we can feel the deep, genuine affection the father has for the child, both truthful and emotional.

The four lines remind us of the song 'Mother’s Diary' by composer Nguyễn Văn Chung: “For days, mother waits, for days, mother longs, for days, mother hopes to see her child born…” – This is the feeling of every parent, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby, and then finding happiness in seeing the child grow every day. These heartfelt feelings are overwhelming: “Parents love their children unconditionally/ While society only loves them conditionally,” a truth that we only truly understand as we grow older.

Back to the four opening lines, the image of a baby taking its first adorable steps brings immeasurable happiness to the parents. The first steps of a child in life are always met with encouragement and support from the ones who love them: the parents. These lines depict a family full of warmth, happiness, and peace. If these four lines express the joy of parents in having a child, the following verses share with the child the importance of loving and connecting with 'the people of our land.'

“The people of our land love you so much, my child

Weave the loom with flower patterns

The walls of the house hum with songs

The forest gives us flowers

The roads offer hearts full of kindness

Parents always remember the wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of all”

“The people of our land” refers to the people of the poet's region. The use of local language emphasizes the deep affection for the homeland, which the father wants to pass on to his child. The father wants his child to be a part of their community, to understand the identity of their homeland. The child must know that the people of their land are hardworking, full of beautiful qualities.

The poet reflects on memories such as “weaving looms, singing as we work.” These are shared memories of a life where people joyfully labor together, in harmony with their surroundings. There is a special, almost sacred joy in such work, a sense of unity and affection in daily labor.

Analysis of the first stanza of 'Talking to My Child' – The next lines depict the stunning beauty of the homeland: “The forest gives us flowers, the roads offer hearts full of kindness.” Where the poet and child live is surrounded by vast mountains, not just barren cliffs, or remote, foggy paths, but also endless forests full of flowers. This is a beautiful image filled with hope and happiness. The people of the land live in love, connected with each other.

Parents always remember the wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of all”

In particular, the father speaks about the wedding day with sincerity, expressing happiness from the heart. That day was the happiest of all, representing love and the culmination of a deep connection. The father also wants the child to know that they are the result of beautiful love. The parents are happy because they have the child. Through this, the father wants the child to see that their family is filled with happiness, rooted in love, and part of 'the people of our land.' The stanza is like a conversation between father and child, reminding the child to love the community, to cherish the people around them, even though they may not be blood relatives, they are closer than blood kin.

The first stanza of 'Talking to My Child' is a sincere sharing from a father to his child, an expression of the boundless love that parents have for their children. It affirms that the child is growing up in the pride and love that their parents have for them. It is also a reminder that the child is a part of the land, a part of the people of their homeland, and should always love their roots, their community.

Through the use of vivid language, rich in imagery and evocative power, and especially the style of speech suited to the mountainous people, with its free-flowing and expressive tone, simple yet profound, the poet has painted a beautiful picture of family life, the loving community of the region, and the nurturing of the nation’s future through the boundless love of parents and the people, who may not be blood relatives, but are even closer than kin.

As we close the first stanza, the reader's heart is moved by the simple, heartfelt love that the father expresses to the child. In the folk song, it says: “A father's love is like Mount Tai/ A mother's love is like the water flowing from the source,” which shows that a father's love is always powerful and steadfast. The father's words to his child, though not flowery, come from the deepest part of his heart. The stanza, though short, contains all the emotions and endless love for the child. It also affirms that the child is a part of the people of the land, and therefore, should love the homeland, love the people, and cherish the workers of their land, for they are the best, even more than blood relatives.

These simple yet sincere words of the poet touch the hearts of readers. Y Phương has truly succeeded in praising the father-child relationship, the love for homeland, and the country.

Every person is born with a family, a homeland, and a sense of origin. It is in these places that we are nurtured and taught our first lessons in life, receiving endless love and sharing during our growth. The two words 'homeland' have always been a source of endless inspiration for poets. Y Phương, a poet from the Northwestern mountains, a poet of the ban flowers, red flowers, and the murmuring streams, has conveyed love for family, homeland, and national pride in his poem *Nói với con* through the words of a father reminding his child before setting off on their journey. The entire poem is filled with sincere and simple words, with the first stanza containing beautiful verses that evoke the deep bond with family and homeland, a sacred connection that must be preserved.

“Right foot steps to father…

The first day, the most beautiful day in the world.”

Family! The familiar call that marks the beginning of all good feelings in human life. It is the place where a mother returns after the midday market, with her conical hat, “homeland is the small bamboo bridge / mother returns with the tilted leaf hat” (*Homeland* - Đỗ Trung Quân). It is where a father carefully carves each bamboo slat to make a small kite for his child. Family is the place where one takes their first steps, where the voice and laughter of children echo. All of these precious things are reflected in the first two lines of the poem “Right foot... laughter.”

Through vivid imagery and the listing technique of “right foot, left foot, speech, laughter,” Y Phương paints a picture of a warm and happy family atmosphere. There, a child is trying to take its first unsteady steps toward its parents. Nothing is more adorable than the rosy little feet walking on the floor and tiny hands waving at the parents. In this cuteness lies the anticipation and joy of the parents, who for the first time hear their child mumble “mom, dad,” and witness the child walking confidently on its own feet.

The simple lines read like a story, yet they carry the loving and tender emotions of parents toward their little one. The child’s smile and voice revive memories long thought forgotten, when the parents were once children themselves: “The feet once tread on iron and stone / now return to the village, speaking the first words” (*Village name* - Y Phương). The child’s steps are not only their first but also the steps of time, the continuation of generations. In the past, grandparents held the hands of their children, guiding them, and now, parents are mature enough to guide their child, providing support so the child can grow up with confidence. The next lines

“The people of my homeland love dearly…

...the first day, the most beautiful day in the world”

From the deep love of family, the father guides the child towards love for their homeland and nation. The poet skillfully uses the phrase “the people of my homeland” to refer to the simple, humble people of the mountains. These people are also our own, but in the word “homeland,” we sense unity and closeness: sharing the same homeland – fellow villagers, sharing the same hearts – comrades, and the same aspirations – we are all compatriots!

The child grows not only from the love of parents and family but also from the hard work of the people of the homeland: “weaving the fishing traps with bamboo / the house walls holding the songs.” These images of “weaving traps” and “holding walls” are both realistic and symbolic. First, we see the everyday tasks of the mountain people: to catch fish, they carefully weave traps from bamboo, each slat a product of their skilled hands. The “walls of the house” are similarly simple, part of the daily life on the stilt houses of the ethnic people. The walls are made from tightly stacked wooden planks or bamboo, creating sturdy walls.

These images reflect the hardworking, modest life of the people here. Yet, when paired with the words “weaving traps” and “holding walls,” we do not hear complaints about their hardships. Instead, Y Phương conveys the optimistic, industrious spirit of the people. Despite difficulties, they sing by the fire, with the sound of the flute, the graceful dance of the village girls enriching their lives. In their struggles, they beautify their lives with the flowers of the mountains and the smiles on their faces.

Weaving traps and holding walls have also become cultural and spiritual symbols of the people. The verbs “weaving, tying, and holding” all share the meaning of binding things together firmly. Perhaps the poet has cleverly chosen these words to convey the spirit of unity, solidarity, and sharing among the people, which is also a characteristic of their cultural identity.

In addition, the majesty of the mountains and the poetic beauty of the natural landscape also nurture the emotional life of the growing child: “The forest gives flowers / the road gives hearts.” When we think of the mountains, we often imagine violent streams, torrential rains, “the source rain, flood streams, but the clouds are still misty” or tall trees reaching to the horizon. For the people of this land, the mountains and forests are the source of life, the nurturing mother, providing everything necessary for daily life. To express the magnificent gifts of the mountains and forests, Y Phương uses only one word: “flowers.” Here, flowers are not just the characteristic flora of the forest, but also symbolize beauty, the essence, the harmony between the wild beauty and the love of the people for nature.

Both “forest” and “road” are personified, so they are not just places where the child grows up, but also spiritual supports for the child’s journey through life. Every road the child takes to the streams, up the mountains, through the forests, or back home, carries “hearts.” These are the hearts of the homeland for each person, as well as the hearts of the people for one another: loyal, kind, and open.

From the love of the homeland, the father cannot help but express his happiness and pride by reminding his child to always remember the first day: “Parents will always remember the wedding day / the first day, the most beautiful day in the world.” The child is now grown, ready to embark on their journey to build a life, but the father still reminds them of the sacredness of marriage, which began with the wedding day. All joy and responsibilities in life are nourished from that moment.

With free verse, a heartfelt rhythm, simple yet evocative imagery, and artistic techniques such as personification and metaphor, this stanza highlights the deep bond people have with their family, homeland, and their people. This is a bond worth cherishing and preserving, becoming a cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people.

All good feelings in life are nurtured from the simplest things. Among them are family love, and love for one’s homeland and country. Y Phương, through the words of a father reminding his child before their journey, also reminds us to live with gratitude, loyalty, and to honor our roots.

The poem "Nói với con" by Y Phương is a moving piece about family love and one's roots. Using the voice of a father speaking to his child, with a simple, sincere, and unpretentious tone, Y Phương evokes the origins that nurture each person, while expressing pride in the enduring spirit of his homeland.

The poem begins with family emotions, then expands to include a deep love for the homeland. From personal, intimate memories, the poet elevates them to life principles. The feeling and theme of the poem unfold naturally, with both a broad perspective and a deep resonance. The first thing the father speaks of regarding the child's origins is the family bond, the nurturing cradle that raises the child:

“Right foot steps to father

Left foot steps to mother

One step touches the first words

Two steps lead to laughter”

The child grows each day in the love, care, and anticipation of the parents. This is an image of a warm and happy family. The child is nurtured and protected in the comforting embrace of the parents. The poetic lines are special. They speak with vivid, concrete imagery to express abstract ideas from the mountainous region, making the poem simple yet evocative: footsteps that reach out to the sound of words, and laughter.

The father speaks these first words to remind the child of the family bond, the very roots of every individual. The rhythm of 2/3, the symmetrical structure, and the repetition of many words create a joyful and intertwined sound: right foot, left foot; one step, two steps, words, laughter... Y Phương crafts a warm, close-knit, and happy atmosphere in the family. Every step and every word of the child is carefully embraced and joyfully received by the parents. It is a deep familial love, a labor of love that the child must engrave in their heart.

The father also tells the child: you will grow up surrounded by the labor and love of the “people of my homeland,” and in the bond of the village and homeland. The child will grow in the diligent, joyful labor of the mountain people, which the poet beautifully captures through these vivid images:

“The people of my homeland love you so much, my child

Weave the fish traps with delicate skill

The house’s walls echo with song

The forest gives flowers

The road offers hearts”

Weaving fish traps: A tool used by the people in the mountains to catch fish. Saying, “Weave the fish trap with flowers” honors the labor that creates beauty for the worker. The house’s walls echo with song represents a peaceful life lived in harmony with joy and happiness. The use of verbs like “weave” and “echo” is masterful, depicting not only the meticulous craftsmanship in labor but also the unity of work and joy in the life of the people.

Above all, the child grows under the protection and care of both the people and the mountains of their homeland. The forest gives life, a source of sustenance. The forest's flowers symbolize the beauty of nature gifted to the child. The mountains provide beauty, joy, and happiness to every individual. The paths through the villages and forests connect love and support the child’s steps into the world. Here, we understand that the father wants the child to know their homeland is rich in cultural traditions and heartfelt bonds.

The homeland is what is most familiar, the simplest and closest things; it is also the deep source of love for the country. The father also reminisces about the day of his marriage with the child, hoping the child will always remember growing up in the pure and happy love of the parents. The child is the result of love and family happiness. This is the starting point of all love within the child:

“Father and mother will always remember the wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of life.”

By saying these words, the father wants to teach the child about the deep-rooted emotions of love for the homeland, by embodying the love and pride in family and culture. The father proudly speaks to the child about the enduring vitality, the fierce spirit, the noble traditions of their homeland, and expresses his wish that the child will carry on that legacy. Talking about the enduring vitality of the homeland is also talking about the vitality of the people of the homeland, the entire community. In this vitality, there are the parents, the people, and everyone in the same homeland.

The repeated use of this phrase emphasizes that the character of the people is also the character of the homeland, for the strength of the homeland comes from the people of that land. The poem’s simple, unpretentious words stir emotions of love and closeness.

The first stanza of the poem “Nói với con” deeply reflects the warmth of family love, praises the diligent spirit and vibrant vitality of the homeland and nation. The poem helps us understand more about the resilience and soulfulness of the people from the mountains, reminding us of our deep ties to our traditions, our homeland, and the determination to thrive in life. The affectionate tone of the father speaking to his child conveys the sentiment of one generation to the next, in an intimate, heartfelt conversation.

In Y Phuong's creative journey, the poem "Nói với con" stands out as a work created with the simple, rustic language of the mountain people, yet it holds deep meanings about homeland and national identity. The first stanza of this poem deeply expresses that heartfelt connection:

The right foot steps towards father

The left foot steps towards mother

One step reaches the first words

Two steps reach the first laugh

The people of the mountains love you dearly, my child

Weave the fish trap and adorn it with flowers

The walls of the house echo songs

The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts of kindness

Parents will always remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of life.

The poem "Nói với con", a literary work created by Y Phuong after he was transferred to work at the Department of Culture and Information in Cao Bang Province, carries the tone of a father giving advice to his child before they leave their homeland to build their life and future. Overall, the poem, and particularly this excerpt, encourages the child to remember their roots and upbringing, using simple, humble words that are heartfelt and filled with love. The stanza opens with four concise five-syllable lines:

"The right foot steps towards father..........

Two steps reach the first laugh".

Through these simple, humble words, the four lines of the poem evoke the scene of a modest, warm stilt house, with a young child taking their first wobbly steps, uttering the innocent sounds of early life, all within the loving embrace of their parents.

As the child’s right foot falters and they stumble, the father is there to support, while if the child sways towards the left, the mother’s arms open wide to embrace them, comforting and guiding them. With each steady step and clear word, the laughter of both mother and father fills the air. In this simple language, the stanza emphasizes that the child’s growth and maturity are due to the loving support of the parents within a happy family environment.

Not only thanks to the love of a happy family, but also according to the heartfelt advice of the father, the lyrical figure in the poem, the child grows through labor and the nurturing beauty of nature:

"The people of the mountains love you dearly, my child.........

The first day, the most beautiful day of life".

In these lines, the phrase "the people of the mountains" is a simple, rustic expression of the mountain people. Though plain, it carries deep affection for the homeland, a sense of belonging among those who share the same region and ethnic roots. This life of labor is depicted through beautiful, vivid imagery, full of meaning:

"Weave the fish trap and adorn it with flowers

The walls of the house echo songs".

The "fish trap" is a tool used for fishing, crafted from bamboo or rattan, and it symbolizes the simple yet essential tool of labor. It is made with great care and skill by the worker's hands. The trap's delicate weaving represents not only labor but also cultural creativity. The image illustrates that life in the mountains is not easy, as it is filled with hard work and sweat. Yet, in Y Phuong's sweet depiction of the homeland, even this tough labor is portrayed as beautiful and poetic, full of human connection and shared effort.

Despite the hardships of labor, through the poet's sweet love for his homeland, the work becomes imbued with a sense of natural beauty and tenderness, a timeless support for the children growing up through hard work. Just as the fish trap, a simple tool, helps the child grow, the "walls of the house" and the "songs" are also vital symbols that nurture and protect, making the child’s growth process steady and enduring.

As is well known, the "walls of the house" in Cao Bang are often made of wooden planks placed tightly together or woven from bamboo. These basic, humble materials, so close to nature, when incorporated into poetry, gain a profound sense of beauty. The walls, along with the song and music, are full of artful, joyful sounds:

"The walls of the house echo songs"

This simple line evokes the lively, cheerful atmosphere of mountain life, where after hard hours of work, the people gather together to sing, play music, or celebrate. Their songs and melodies, full of longing and togetherness, intertwine with the walls, filling the house with a deep sense of warmth and happiness. This imagery shows the bond between the child and the homeland, a nurturing relationship that contributes to their growth. Similarly, the landscape of the homeland, full of natural beauty, also plays a part in nurturing the child’s spirit and love for life:

"The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts of kindness".

If one were to imagine a specific mountainous region, they would likely think of waterfalls, towering trees, and the sounds of birds or wild animals, or even the roar of the wind in the mountains. But Y Phuong chooses to highlight the image of "flowers" as a representation of the forest. This image not only reflects the beauty of nature but also symbolically conveys that the beauty of the homeland shapes the soul of the people who live there.

The homeland is present in what is most familiar and dear, representing a constant source of love that flows in the heart of each individual. "The road gives hearts of kindness" emphasizes the generous, nurturing nature of the environment. Nature gives the people everything they need to grow, offering the most beautiful gifts. Through the personification of "the forest" and "the road" with the word "gives", the poem evokes the strong sense of community and familial love shared among the people of the mountains. The homeland provides a nurturing cradle for its children, guiding them into a peaceful life, as the father reminisces about the wedding day:

"Parents will always remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day of life".

The flow of the poem expands from family love to the larger theme of homeland. The poem offers not only a tender moment of advice but also a strong, trusting message from the father to the child. With beautiful, simple words and a unique, natural tone, the father wishes to impart to the child the eternal love and support of the family and the deep connection to the homeland. The child is encouraged to remember and cherish this bond.

The line "cutting stone to build the homeland" is a striking image, embodying the poet’s immense pride for the homeland. Through this, the father expresses his hope that the child will always be proud of their heritage and face life’s challenges with confidence. This desire is expressed through the affectionate, sincere tone of the poem, and through the evocative language of the mountain people, which blends vivid imagery with an emotional depth that touches the heart. Ultimately, the greatest message the father wishes to pass on to the child is a sense of pride in the strength and resilience of their people, as well as faith in the child’s future endeavors.

Through rich, emotional language, vivid metaphors, natural, heartfelt expressions, and a rhythm that swells with longing, Y Phuong’s poem "Nói với con" offers a deep understanding of the noble qualities of the mountain people and the Vietnamese nation. This poem reminds us all to cherish our homeland, honor our traditions, and build a better future despite the challenges that lie ahead.

In fact, the mountains and forests may still hold challenges, with thorny paths, wild animals, and other dangers. However, the beauty and generosity of nature, with its myriad flowers and scents, will continue to nurture the child, giving them a pure, humble, and honest soul. Just as the endless roads ahead will shape the child’s character with kindness and loyalty, they will encounter the warm, faithful hearts of the "people of the mountains" along the way, always supported by their national identity.

Thus, through simple yet profound words, the poem illustrates that the father’s love for his child is vast, expressed not in sweet praises, but through warm, meaningful advice as the child sets off to embark on their own journey. By evoking the roots of one’s upbringing and nurturing the child’s growth, the father instills the hope that the child will carry forward and preserve the proud traditions of the nation, ensuring that the national identity remains strong and enduring. This message holds timeless value for all people living in Vietnam, reminding us to live with love, loyalty, and a sense of responsibility to our ancestors and our nation.

In the accomplishments of modern Vietnamese literature since the August Revolution, the poetry of various ethnic minorities, including Y Phuong, a poet of the Tay ethnic group, has made significant contributions. Y Phuong's poetry is characterized by simple, vivid images and a deep, poetic reflection on family, homeland, and nation.

From the familiar themes of paternal love, Y Phuong wrote the poem "Talking to My Child." Throughout the poem, the poet conveys to the child a message about love for the homeland, the country, and the preservation of the precious traditions of the nation. The poem begins with eleven lines that exude the warmth and affection of family life.

"The right foot steps towards father

The left foot steps towards mother

One step touches a word

Two steps lead to laughter

People of my homeland love you, my child

Woven baskets of the fish trap

The walls of the house hum with songs

The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts of kindness

Parents forever remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful of all."

The child, from birth and through their early years, is enveloped in the loving embrace of both father and mother. The first steps of a child are always significant, as it marks a moment when the child walks on their own two feet, yet still feels secure and loved in the arms of their parents. The child is born in happiness and grows up with the nurturing care of their family.

"The right foot steps towards father

The left foot steps towards mother"

The line might seem simply descriptive, but it is full of affection and tenderness. The love of the mother and father is the guiding force for the child to move forward. The growth of the child is pure and innocent. The words and laughter echo in the air as the child takes their first steps in a world full of love and warmth.

"One step touches a word

Two steps lead to laughter"

The two actions are beautifully different but charming. The verse is full of sweetness, the kind of sound that makes any parent feel deeply moved. Yet, despite the vast love of the parents, the child still needs more than just their care. The child must also be nurtured by the homeland, which sustains them every day.

"People of my homeland love you, my child

Woven baskets of the fish trap

The walls of the house hum with songs

The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts of kindness

Parents forever remember their wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful of all"

The simple and everyday activities of the Tay people, such as "weaving baskets" or "joining the walls", take on a sacred meaning. "People of my homeland love you, my child." The phrase "people of my homeland" resonates with closeness and affection. The people of the village love you dearly. Although we may be poor, as long as love remains, it binds us together. Nevertheless, the villagers live in harmony with nature and the boundless mountains of the Northwest. This is why "the forest gives flowers, the road gives hearts of kindness." The forest nourishes people, and the road gives us hearts full of generosity and kindness.